As had been thought, the First Minister today announced that all of the Archdiocese, with the exception of those parts in Argyll & Bute (Cardross, Helensburgh, and Roseneath/Arrochar), will move into Level 4 of the restrictions from 6pm on Friday. It is said that this will be for a period of 3 weeks.
The key points of level 4 are to be found at https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-protection-levels/pages/protection-level-4/
The main things for parishes are as follows:
1.The maximum attendance at Mass or other acts of public worship is 20
2.The maximum attendance at a funeral is 20. Funeral teas are still permitted.
3.The maximum attendance at a wedding is 15 and wedding receptions cannot take place.
4.The maximum attendance at baptisms, confirmations, etc. is 20.
5. Indoor activities for young people should not take place in halls.
6. People can travel into and out of Level 4 local authority areas to attend baptisms, funerals, etc. but they cannot travel into or out of Level 4 local authority areas to attend their normal place of worship (e.g. a person in East Dunbartonshire can go to Glasgow for a funeral but not for Sunday Mass).
7. A priest or deacon can travel to get to his place of worship.
There may be other issues that arise, and I will try and update you if they do, but these are the main ones to bear in mind. As at present, the maximum numbers set out above do not include the priest or “staff” but the numbers of staff needed will be less given the attendance is less. The First Minister has said that the travel restrictions will be given legal effect but the details have not yet been published.
With best wishes,
Canon Paul Gargaro
Diocesan Coordinator
The key points of level 4 are to be found at https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-protection-levels/pages/protection-level-4/
The main things for parishes are as follows:
1.The maximum attendance at Mass or other acts of public worship is 20
2.The maximum attendance at a funeral is 20. Funeral teas are still permitted.
3.The maximum attendance at a wedding is 15 and wedding receptions cannot take place.
4.The maximum attendance at baptisms, confirmations, etc. is 20.
5. Indoor activities for young people should not take place in halls.
6. People can travel into and out of Level 4 local authority areas to attend baptisms, funerals, etc. but they cannot travel into or out of Level 4 local authority areas to attend their normal place of worship (e.g. a person in East Dunbartonshire can go to Glasgow for a funeral but not for Sunday Mass).
7. A priest or deacon can travel to get to his place of worship.
There may be other issues that arise, and I will try and update you if they do, but these are the main ones to bear in mind. As at present, the maximum numbers set out above do not include the priest or “staff” but the numbers of staff needed will be less given the attendance is less. The First Minister has said that the travel restrictions will be given legal effect but the details have not yet been published.
With best wishes,
Canon Paul Gargaro
Diocesan Coordinator
